Cocker Spaniel: Your Complete Guide
Cocker spaniels come in two varieties: the American cocker spaniel and the English cocker spaniel. The differences between the two are minor and have to do with appearance rather than temperament, though most people can’t tell the two apart at a glance.
In this article, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about the cocker spaniel, including the subtle differences between the American and English types. You’ll learn about the cocker spaniel’s temperament, energy levels, exercise needs, grooming needs, health problems, and more. If you’re interested in this breed, then keep reading.
A Quick Look at the Cocker Spaniel
This chart provides a quick overview of the cocker spaniel breed. Take a look!
| Weight/Height | American: 13.5-15.5 in, 20-30 lbs
English: 15-17 in, 26-34 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double-coated, silky, long, feathered |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Affectionate, friendly, energetic, gentle |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
What Is the History of Cocker Spaniels?
The cocker spaniel is part of the sporting group and has roots dating back to before the development of the rifle. The breed is believed to have originated in Spain, and spaniels have been working side by side with bird hunters since their conception.
For centuries, spaniels were simply spaniels, without much care given to breed designation. However, once breed clubs and breed standards took off, the cocker spaniel was separated from its peers and named for the woodcock it was so often used to hunt.
There is also a distinction made between the American cocker spaniel and the English cocker spaniel. The latter is taller with a longer head and does not have quite as thick of a coat. Today’s cocker spaniels are still used for hunting, but they’ve also found a place in the home as they make great family dogs.
What Do Cocker Spaniels Look Like?
American cocker spaniels can be just about any color under the sun; they can also be two toned and have patterns such as roan and merle -non-standard markings include white markings and ticking.
Some of the standard cocker spaniel colors include black; black and tan; red and white; buff and white; brown and white; black, white and tan; brown, white, and tan; brown roan; and brown, roan, and tan.
Non-standard colors include golden; blue roan; blue roan and tan; sable; sable and white; cream; red roan; and brown roan.
What Size Is a Cocker Spaniel?
American cocker spaniels stand between 13.5 and 14.5 inches tall and weigh 20-25 pounds for females. Males are 14.5-15.5 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 30 pounds. Thus, with this size range, it is safe to say that the cocker spaniel is a small-to-medium-sized dog.
What Is a Cocker Spaniel’s Coat Type and Length?
The cocker spaniel has a long, silky coat that is feathered. The coat can be straight or slightly wavy but is short on the head and face. This breed also has a double-layered coat that provides insulation in the winter and traps cool air in the summer.
What Is a Cocker Spaniel’s Temperament?
Cocker spaniels (both American and English) are described as being merry, affectionate dogs that are friendly and even-tempered. They are playful enough for a family with kids and have enough energy for someone who likes to be active. They are a versatile breed that can do well as both a family pet and a working dog.
Are Cocker Spaniels Good With Kids?
Cocker spaniels are a great choice for families with children of any age. This breed will love to play with kids but is also tolerant and gentle. Cocker spaniels can sometimes be excitable and do have the strength to knock children down, but their small size makes that less of a danger.
Kids should always be supervised around dogs. They need to be taught how to handle the dog gently and how to respect the dog’s boundaries. Though cockers are typically sweet-tempered and gentle, even dogs like to have a bit of personal space every now and then. Teaching kids to treat dogs with love and respect will result in a positive experience for all involved.
Are Cocker Spaniels Good With Other Animals?
Cocker spaniels are hunting dogs, which means they may view some animals as prey. Socialization and training will help them learn to leave other pets alone.
Still, if you own rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, or other prey animals, you should be aware of the possibility that your cocker spaniel will want to hunt them. Thus, if you still want to get a cocker spaniel, you’ll have to ensure you have a way to keep them away from smaller pets, just in case.
Luckily, cocker spaniels tend to get along well with other dogs. Because they were initially bred to hunt fowl, there’s a higher chance they can get along with animals like cats. However, you should still expect them to want to chase squirrels, birds, and rabbits in the yard. A fence can help keep them safe, but with extensive training, they can learn to be obedient off-leash.
Are Cocker Spaniels Aggressive?
Cocker spaniels are not known for being aggressive. In fact, they’re generally a rather friendly breed. However, it is possible for any dog to be aggressive. Aggression is usually the result of poor socialization or mistreatment. Oftentimes, aggression has a cause which can be addressed and solved via training.
Do Cocker Spaniels Bark?
Cocker spaniels are surprisingly vocal. They are known for being avid barkers who enjoy barking at every little thing from a squirrel in the yard to someone riding their bike down the road. Of course, barking can be discouraged with training, but it may not be easy and we wouldn’t recommend this breed to someone living in an apartment with noise restrictions.
Are Cocker Spaniels Affectionate?
You can expect a cocker spaniel to be affectionate, but how they show that affection may vary by individual. Some cocker spaniels are cuddly and are absolutely lap dogs.
Others may not like to snuggle as much, but they’ll follow you around the house because they always want to be close to you. You might also find cocker spaniels who absolutely adore receiving attention in the form of pets and belly rubs.
While they can be very affectionate in the house, once you’re outside and there’s exciting scents and animals to chase, your cocker spaniel may not care so much about you anymore. In fact, it’s important to work on training this breed around distractions, such as wild animals so that they’ll listen to you in any situation.
Are Cocker Spaniels Intelligent?
Cocker spaniels are very smart dogs and are well-known for it. Because they are hunting dogs, they may be somewhat curious especially if they smell something interesting. Because they’re so smart, they need ample mental and physical stimulation or they can get bored, which may lead to undesirable behaviors around the house.
Are Cocker Spaniels Energetic?
It’s no surprise that a breed meant for hunting is high in energy. Despite their small form factor, cocker spaniels are active dogs that need one to one and a half hours of exercise per day. Walks are a given, but many cocker spaniels love to play fetch, which can be a fun way to help them burn some energy.
It should also be noted that cocker spaniels love to run and should be given opportunities to do so; if you don’t have a yard, consider taking your cocker spaniel to a nearby dog park. Luckily, cocker spaniels tend to get along well with other dogs, so they will quickly make new dog friends to run around and play with.
Are Cocker Spaniels Easy to Train?
Cocker spaniels are very smart and tend to be easy to train because they are eager to please. Since they are a hunting breed, the toughest part of their training will be getting them to listen outdoors where there are wild animals like squirrels, birds, and rabbits.
Because of their high intelligence level, cocker spaniels are capable of learning complex skills and can even work as service dogs. If you’re interested in dog sports, cocker spaniels can excel at flyball, agility, and obedience.
Are Cocker Spaniels Good Watchdogs?
Cocker spaniels bark a lot, which can be a good thing if you want a watchdog. So, while they can make good watchdogs because they bark at anything and everything, you may also get into the habit of ignoring them for exactly that reason, which ends up defeating the purpose.
Aside from this, the breed tends to be quite friendly and warms up to strangers quickly. They aren’t known for being protective and their size probably won’t be intimidating to most people. If you want a dog for protection, the cocker spaniel probably isn’t the best choice.
Are Cocker Spaniels Good Service Dogs?
Considering their high intelligence and trainability, there is no reason the cocker spaniel couldn’t excel at service work. In fact, an organization called Hearing Dogs for Deaf People often trains cocker spaniels as service dogs for the deaf.
However, cocker spaniels are capable of other kinds of service work. Due to their small stature, they wouldn’t be able to be guide dogs or mobility assistance dogs, but they can be psychiatric service dogs and possibly medical alert dogs.
Similarly, cocker spaniels make for fantastic emotional support animals. Since they’re such a companionable, loving breed, they would be able to bring comfort to those struggling with a mental health disability.
Speaking of comfort, cocker spaniels are perfect for therapy work. They’re friendly, good with kids, and warm up quickly to strangers. They are highly trainable and have a lovely demeanor that would enable them to interact safely and positively with people at hospitals, schools, or anywhere that could benefit from a therapy dog visit.
How to Care for a Cocker Spaniel?
Cocker spaniels can be high-maintenance as their coat requires a lot of care when kept long. Aside from this, they also need their ears cleaned frequently in order to prevent ear infections. Otherwise, they require the same basic care as other breeds.
Do You Need to Groom a Cocker Spaniel?
Though their coats are slightly different, both the American and English cocker spaniel have the same grooming needs. Because of their long fur, cocker spaniels are a bit high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. For this reason, some people prefer to have their coats cut short by a professional groomer.
If the coat is kept long, it will need to be brushed and detangled daily to prevent matting, which can lead to painful sores if left alone. Long coats require some trimming as well. Usually, the paw pads are shaved out to prevent slipping, and the groin and underside of the tail are shaved for sanitary reasons.
Cocker spaniels are also prone to ear issues such as ear infections, so anyone who plans to own this breed will need to learn how to properly clean their dog’s ears. Their ears should be cleaned either once a week or every other week. Your veterinarian can help you determine how often this should be done. The ears also need to be cleaned after the dog has a bath.
Otherwise, cocker spaniels require the same basic care as other breeds. Their teeth should be brushed daily and their nails should be trimmed regularly.
Do Cocker Spaniels Shed?
Cocker spaniels are considered to be moderate shedders throughout the year. However, they may shed more profusely when transitioning between their summer and winter coats.
If you’re allergic to dogs, you should talk to your doctor about what steps you can take. Because there is no such thing as an entirely hypoallergenic breed, it can be hard to find a dog that is easy on your allergies. Therefore, you should always try to spend time with a dog before committing to adoption so that you can see how your allergies are affected.
What Health Problems Do Cocker Spaniels Have?
Cocker spaniels are prone to ear infections, which can be avoided with regular ear cleaning. Their long fur must be properly cared for or it can become matted which may lead to skin irritation and sores.
Some of the more serious conditions cocker spaniels are at risk for include hip dysplasia, luxating patella, von Willebrand’s disease, thyroid conditions, and eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. English cocker spaniels may also be at risk for familial nephropathy and adult onset neuropathy.
Hearing about health risks may be scary, but you can increase your chances of getting a healthy dog by adopting from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders health test their animals to ensure the parents aren’t passing any conditions onto their offspring. A reputable breeder will be happy to share the results of health tests with you.
How Long Do Cocker Spaniels Live?
Cocker spaniels have an average lifespan of about 10 to 14 years.
What Should a Cocker Spaniel Eat?
Cocker spaniels should eat high quality dog food that benefits their overall health, sustains their lifestyle, and maintains a healthy weight. There are many dog food options out there for cocker spaniels, such as commercially available dog foods formulated for active dog breeds. You should also feed your cocker spaniel dog food appropriate for their age.
If you’re unsure about what to feed your cocker spaniel or considering a special diet, consult an animal nutritionist.
Is a Cocker Spaniel the Right Dog for Me?
The cocker spaniel is a great breed that will suit a variety of lifestyles. If you lead an active lifestyle and want a dog that can keep up, the cocker spaniel might be for you.
If you’re a family with young children looking for a friendly, gentle dog that will play with the kids, the cocker spaniel might be for you. This breed is also a relatively good choice for new owners as cockers are naturally friendly and easy to train.
The cocker spaniel is not the right choice for someone who does not have time to dedicate to a dog that requires a fair bit of exercise and mental stimulation. Similarly, if you can’t stand a dog that likes to bark a lot and you aren’t very good with training, this breed is not for you. If you aren’t willing to groom this dog or pay for grooming, then this breed is not for you.
Finally, though the cocker spaniel is a quick learner, they have a strong prey drive that may be tough to work through. Anyone who is not committed to training through this (or who does not have a fenced in yard), may want to think twice about getting a cocker spaniel.